Australia General Discussion

[RogueBeaver]

Redmond wants Downer to publicly clarify his position. I for one don't believe he'll make the jump until it happens. Shades of Costello's '08 tease IMO. Door opens a crack then is bolted shut.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/isobel-redmond-urges-downer-to-clear-up-leadership-speculation/story-fndo1z0b-1226559516211

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

And before the CEC for me.

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Social mode:
Smid: replying to your PM now.
Polnut: Up for a couple of drinks tomorrow night?

Didn't see that... sorry. Um, I might be able to do something this (late) afternoon/evening, but I've got dinner plans.

[Platypus]

And before the CEC for me.

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Social mode:
Smid: replying to your PM now.
Polnut: Up for a couple of drinks tomorrow night?

Didn't see that... sorry. Um, I might be able to do something this (late) afternoon/evening, but I've got dinner plans.

I'm staying with a friend in Evatt, so as long as it's somewhere driveable/with parking, I'm happy. Free from now until about 7 also. Maybe Lyneham? Not sure where is good and has airco

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

And before the CEC for me.

-

Social mode:
Smid: replying to your PM now.
Polnut: Up for a couple of drinks tomorrow night?

Didn't see that... sorry. Um, I might be able to do something this (late) afternoon/evening, but I've got dinner plans.

I'm staying with a friend in Evatt, so as long as it's somewhere driveable/with parking, I'm happy. Free from now until about 7 also. Maybe Lyneham? Not sure where is good and has airco

CRAP! A work thing has happened, so I can't do today...

[Platypus]

OK, lt me know if you're around on the weekend, I'm not sure if my friend's BBQ is saturday or Monday for Australia day, but I should be free on both at some point as well as Sunday, but I'm busy tomorrow and friday.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Well, I'm Sydney this weekend. But I'll be having Tuesday off.

[RogueBeaver]

Sorry to interrupt, but this NT preselection seems to be blowing up in Gillard's face.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/they-dont-know-me-peris-fights-back/story-fndor8bb-1226560425173

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Sorry to interrupt, but this NT preselection seems to be blowing up in Gillard's face.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/they-dont-know-me-peris-fights-back/story-fndor8bb-1226560425173

I think it's a big deal for the media... time will tell if it will filter down.

Personally, I don't think it was the best move.

[Knives]

According to SA mining minister new oil discovery could make Australia self sufficient.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think there's a chance some smoke being blown...

[morgieb]

So September 25. Surprised she's calling it this early, a nine month campaign, yay.....

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

So September 25. Surprised she's calling it this early, a nine month campaign, yay.....

14 September...

It's actually a brilliant move...

[RogueBeaver]

So September 25. Surprised she's calling it this early, a nine month campaign, yay.....

14 September...

It's actually a brilliant move...

How?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

So September 25. Surprised she's calling it this early, a nine month campaign, yay.....

14 September...

It's actually a brilliant move...

How?

Gillard knows Abbott's policy bank is pretty bare and his costings simply don't add up... seriously, look at what little we know... they don't.

It forces Abbott into a policy and costings war LONG before he's ready for it.

[RogueBeaver]

Abbott's major policy, so far as I can tell, is Balance & Repeal. Is there anything else of note?

On another note, Swan's silly Republisquirrel.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Abbott's major policy, so far as I can tell, is Balance & Repeal. Is there anything else of note?

On another note, Swan's silly Republisquirrel.

That's the problem... Abbott needed the carbon tax to end the world for it to still be potent 2 years down the track... and it really isn't.

Basic question, if you're going to balance things... what is getting cut to do it? How do you keep the carbon compensation and pension increases... without the carbon pricing revenue? Abbott's been avoiding answering these kinds of questions for months, because he doesn't know the answer.

He knows the carbon price is here to stay, especially with the deal made with the EU, it's going to cost a lot more to repeal it, than to keep it. He can't say that and win...

[RogueBeaver]

If we're talking '96 style cuts then Abbott and this bunch certainly aren't the ones to do that. Another way might be slowly cutting the rate. But I'm not one for pessimism, even if it'll take a long time one shouldn't give up.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

If we're talking '96 style cuts then Abbott and this bunch certainly aren't the ones to do that. Another way might be slowly cutting the rate. But I'm not one for pessimism, even if it'll take a long time one shouldn't give up.

You've got too much faith in Abbott. He's got a long history of saying what he needs.

[Platypus]

Neutrally, I HATE this. With bias, I'm neutral

[tik 🪀✨]

Neutrally, I HATE this. With bias, I'm neutral

But why? I was very excited for this news. It will be great fun. Then again, ask me again in 8 months. I'm extremely curious as to how Abbott would eliminate the carbon tax AND the mining tax AND the NBN but balance the budget and pay for all of the carrots on his stick. Great fun.

[RogueBeaver]

Isobel Redmond has resigned the SA Lib leadership, half her caucus wants to replace her. Downer still not interested and reconfirmed that today. Never thought he was in the first place.

[RogueBeaver]

Thomson arrested, oodles of fraud charges.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-31/craig-thomson-arrested/4493722

[Talleyrand]

Not only has Redmond resigned, Thomson has been arrested. It seems I've missed a lot.

[RogueBeaver]

Just happened in the past few hours. Thomson should be interesting... paging Paul Kelly.

[Knives]

So too cut costs and balance the budget it's pretty obvious Abbot will be reckless, I mean were a day in already and he wants to cut the Schoolkids bonus which unlike so many other schemes is actually serves a purpose and helps countless parents - so much for working for the middle class.

And ing Craig Thompson, like why can't he just admit it!